February features record pork production

WASHINGTON – Pork production in February climbed 3 percent to total 2 billion lbs., the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the US Dept. of Agriculture said in its Livestock Slaughter report.

Hog slaughter advanced 4 percent to 9.43 million head compared to a year ago. The average live weight declined 2 lbs. from the previous year at 283 lbs., NASS reported.

Beef production, at 1.89 billion lbs., was 7 percent higher than the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.29 million head, up 5 percent from last year. The average live weight of cattle was 17 lbs. heavier at 1,372 lbs.

Meanwhile, veal production slipped 3 percent to 6.1 million lbs. Calf slaughter edged 1 percent lower to 36,500 head, while the average live weight was down 6 lbs. from a year ago to 287 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production limbed to 12.5 million lbs., or 8 percent, compared to February 2015, NASS reported. Sheep slaughter reached 175,800 head which was 7 percent above a year ago. The average live weight was up 1 lb. to 142 lbs.

Overall, commercial red meat production for February was up 5 percent from the 3.73 billion lbs. produced a year ago. Commercial red meat production from January to February edged 2 percent higher to 8.00 billion lbs. Accumulated beef production was up 3 percent, veal declined 2 percent, pork was up 1 percent and lamb and mutton production climbed 2 percent, NASS said.

In February 2015, there were 20 weekdays, including one holiday, and four Saturdays, while February 2016 had 21 weekdays, including one holiday, and four Saturdays.

Comment on this Article

The views expressed in the comments section of Meat and Poultry News do not reflect those of Meat and Poultry News or its parent company, Sosland Publishing Co., Kansas City, Mo. Concern regarding a specific comment may be registered with the Editor by clicking the Report Abuse link.
Enter code as it is shown (required):